Near Enoree in Spartanburg County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

Into the Backcountry

By David Graff, May 24, 2016

1. Into the Backcountry Marker

Inscription. Britain's capture of Charles Towne in May 1780 marked the low point of American hopes for independence. The British would simply move north until they controlled all thirteen colonies. The only thing standing in their way was the frontier region known as the South Carolina Backcountry. Here some of the harshest fighting would take place and, here, British plans would begin to unravel.

Around 1774, Edward Musgrove had built his home and gristmill on the Enoree River. By the summer of 1780, he and his family would be wrapped up in events they could not have foreseen.

Erected by South Carolina State Park Service.

Location. 34° 35.834′ N, 81° 51.203′ W. Marker is near Enoree, South Carolina, in Spartanburg County. Marker can be reached from Horseshoe Falls Road (State Highway S-42-10) 1.4 miles south of State Highway 56, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. This marker is one of a series along the Musgrove Mill Battlefield Trail. The trail starts at a parking area and leads to a loop where the main battle action occurred. This marker is approximately 830 feet from the start of the trail. Marker is in this post office area: Enoree SC 29335, United States of America.

More about this marker. The first part of the Battlefield Trail, where this marker is located, is within view of the spectacular Horseshoe Falls on Cedar Shoals Creek.

Regarding Into the Backcountry. At the top left is a faded map showing the "Carolina Backcountry," At the bottom left is an image of "The Battle of Camden" which was fought three days before the Battle of Musgrove's Mill.

South Carolina's "Upper Country" region is outlined in green on this 1802 map. During the Revolutionary War, this area was known as the "Carolina Backcountry." — Map courtesy of the South Caroliniana Library

By David Graff, May 24, 2016

4. The Battle of Camden

The Battle of Camden was a major defeat for the patriots in the summer of 1780. This battle in the Carolina Backcountry would have a direct effect on the Battle of Musgrove's Mill. — Alonzo Chappel's engraving, Battle of Camden, the Death of DeKalb. Courtesy of National Archives and Records Administration.

By David Graff, May 24, 2016

5. Horseshoe Falls

The marker is found shortly after passing Horseshoe Falls.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. This page originally submitted on May 31, 2016, by David Graff of Halifax, Nova Scotia. This page has been viewed 175 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on May 31, 2016, by David Graff of Halifax, Nova Scotia. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.